Getting to Know You

It's been so much fun watching Annie as she's getting to know her Papa and Nana. It was their hope to be "real" to her - beyond a picture, a voice, or a Skype conversation. I think it's working, because even when they aren't here, Annie is remembering to thank God for Papa and Nana whenever she prays.

They've been taking Annie once a week and spending some fun time with her.

Grandparents Day

It's not often that my parents get to join in on Grandparent's Day festivities at Dayna's school. It was a nice treat that they could be here and see Dayna take on the (appropriate) role of Laura Ingalls in her class play, "Sir Bookworm."

Labor Day

It's been about 14 years since Dan & I have gone to Valentine and canoed the Niobrara River. We made the trek with our two girls this time. It was Annie's first time on a canoe, and both of their first experience on a river. An added bonus was meeting up with my parents, who came to visit for an extended time this fall.

Storms rolling in

Rainbow before the storms

Completely tuckered out

She was excited to find goldenrod after studying Nebraska state symbols

Smith Falls

Never Turn Your Back

I absolutely love this kid - and you'd think I would have learned to not turn my back on her. Ever.

I just discovered a memory card filled with selfies.

Back to School for Mommy, Too!

I was anticipating a slow return to subbing this fall. We were trying to figure out how to stretch the dollar further after 3 months with no work. Then in one day, I lost 2 piano students. Dan & I were talking and trusting...knowing God would provide somehow. We just didn't know how.

The next day, I got a call from Dayna's principal asking if I could do a last-minute long-term sub position. On Dayna's first day of 4th grade, I started 4th grade all over again myself (not in Dayna's class, though.) I have the privilege of spending 4 1/2 weeks with a really great group of kids. Not to mention getting to know her teachers even better.

In a small town, this is such a blessing. These are the kids my daughter will grow up knowing. Getting to invest, even in this small way, in the kids who will influence my own (and I hope the reverse is true as well) means a lot to me.

I question myself every day. Am I patient enough? Did I teach clearly? Could I have presented that differently? Will they be ready for their teacher to return? Am I earning the trust placed in me?

And every day, God gives me just what I need.

Many Faces of Anne

Apparently Dayna got a hold of my camera. I ran across quite the collection of shots today.

Big Girl Bed

With a new birthday, we figured it was time for Annie to graduate from the crib. Oh, what a sad night it was to tuck her into that crib for the last time.

Okay...it wasn't the last. Poor girl got sick, so we kept her in it for a few more days. So much for sentimentality.

Still, she's so happy with her "tiny bed" and is excited for bedtime now. Somehow, I think she might be my child who puts herself down for a nap.